The fundamental 1992 Dream Team set the gold standard-both literally and figuratively-for Summer Games basketball. Kobe stated the 2012 Dream Team could beat Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and the rest of the 1992 group. Is he right?

Miami Heat LeBron James, LA Laker Kobe Bryant and Thunder Kevin Durant head line the latest edition of the “Dream Team,” one that will defend Team USA’s World and Olympic championships in basketball at the Olympic Games in London.

Much has been made about the current team’s weak frontcourt. The 1992 team had 4 players who grabbed at least 15 percent of available rebounds in 1991-92 (Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, David Robinson).

The present team has about three players at that rebound rate last season (Tyson Chandler, Clipper Blake Griffin, Grizzlie Kevin Love). The 1992 team had two players (Ewing, Robinson) who blocked no less than 5 percent of the shot attempts they faced in 1991-92. No 2012 player had a block percentage greater than 3.4 last season (Chandler).

The 1992 team was about 2½ years older on average (28.8-26.2). Other than Bird and Magic, every Dream Team member was 30 years old or younger. Each member of the current team is 29 or younger, apart from Kobe, who is 33. But the NBA experience level is about the same.

The 1992 team had, on average, 7.3 years of practical experience per player. This year’s team has 7.1. The 2012 version has seven championships among them, carried by Kobe’s five. LeBron and Chandler each have one. The present team has members of each of the past four NBA champions, while the 1992 team had members of the then-past two champions.

There’s no assurance the 2012 team wins the gold medal this summer, but LeBron, Durant and Kobe could probably rampage through the other teams at the 1992 Olympics relatively conveniently.

The 1992 Dream Team involved greats such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson among others. In all 11 Hall of Famers were on the team.

The latest 2012 U.S. Olympic basketball team consists of superstars such as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony.

Conclusion
2012 team has looked strong during its very first two games at the London Olympics 2012, and you can anticipate to see more of the same during Team USA vs. Nigeria as the team continues its bid for a gold medal. This year’s team may be preferred to bring back the gold from London, yet compared to its counterparts who took Barcelona by thunderstorm in the summer of 1992, the 2012 team appears at the silver podium.

LIVE, STAPLES Center and Downtown Los Angeles will be the center of the sports universe beginning Thursday night. Kings, Lakers, Clippers and the world’s best cyclists will all compete for coveted championship titles during an unprecedented 80 hours in Los Angeles

Fans are encouraged to plan extra travel and parking time if attending any of the events happening in or around STAPLES Center this Sunday, May 20, 2012. In addition to our sold-out playoff games, the streets of downtown will be filled with spectators watching the downtown circuit of the AMGEN TOUR of California cycling race, which finishes on Figueroa Street at Chick Hearn/11th Street at approximately 11:45 AM.

Additionally, the Los Angeles Kings and STAPLES Center have announced to open it’s doors early Sunday morning inviting ticketed fans to enter the arena as early as 9:00 AM. Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served until 10:30 AM to ticketholders.

The Los Angeles Convention Center will also be hosting a conference on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

All of the above streets will be re-opened prior to the end of the Kings game. Pedestrian bridges to cross Figueroa Street will be erected at Figueroa Street just north of Chick Hearn Ct. and at Figueroa Street just north of Pico Blvd.